Senators were devastated and shocked over the killing of businessman Dominic Sytin, whom they described was a “silent worker for Philippine progress.”
Sytin, 51, founder and chief executive officer of United Auctioneers Inc. (UAI) , sustained a gunshot wound in the head, after a lone gunman shot him on the head outside Lighthouse Hotel in Subic Bay.
“Dominic Sytin was a silent worker for Philippine progress. His niche was not in fancy cars that ferry people from point A to B, but in vehicles, which move the economy forward,” Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said in a statement.
“He made heavy equipment affordable to the small businessman, the countryside trader, to the promdi farmer, and to local governments,” Recto pointed out.
“If roads are being paved, goods hauled, earth moved, buildings erected, farms modernized, water canals dug in many places today, he surely played a big role in making these happen,” added the senator.
Recto said Sytin was the classic story of guts and grit: “He inherited neither great wealth nor a famous name. Far from being discouraged, he harnessed these handicaps to fuel his dream.”
And with a good head on his shoulders, which is matched by a good heart, Recto said Sytin and his brothers were able to grow their business portfolio, adding a P2-billion car assembly plant in Clark, resorts, and one of the country’s biggest chemical companies.
“He had gone to one sector where others fear to tread: in manufacturing. I am confident that his dreams will not die with him,” Recto said.
“He was a good friend to me, as he was to many others, from all walks of life, in all parts of the country. He was a UP (University of the Philippines) double business major who was a source of brilliant ideas. His death must be given justice, and his works honored,” he added.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri in a statement, also condemned the drastic killing of his good friend and philanthropist Dominic Sytin.
“We condemn all killings of the same kind. It is time this terrible culture of cold-blooded murders end.
Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and we all call on the investigating body to use the full force of the law in catching the perpetrators,” he said.
Our hearts go out to his loved ones, and we all call on the investigating body to use the full force of the law in catching the perpetrators,” he said.
Zubiri, in a Kapihan sa Senado forum, said the Senate majority bloc will be filing a resolution asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to resolve Sytin’s case with dispatch and immediately bring the perpetrator to justice.
According to Zubiri, other senators who expressed their sentiment on Sytin’s killing over their Viber group chat included Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, and Loren Legarda.
Senator Grace Poe was also emotional when they discussed the matter over the phone, Zubiri said.
“We had a vibrant and active discussion on our Viber group on how we should put a stop to this culture of impunity,” Zubiri said.
“Basta patayan na lang. Kung may galit ka sa isang tao, patayin mo na lang. Parang ganun ang nangyayari,” he said.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also condemned the killing of the businessman whom he “personally know as a very good and decent man.”
“He has no known enemies. This cowardly act of violence against a good man is really deplorable,” Ejercito said on Twitter.
Gordon, in a statement said, the vile deed, committed thru treachery, should not be countenanced.
“My wife, Kate, and I also extend our heartfelt condolences to Dominic’s bereaved family. We pray that his bereaved family may find solace and comfort to help them get through this very tragic time. We also pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” Gordon said.
Gordon also said the Philippine Red Cross also mourns the loss of a man who had strong humanitarian values.
“Dominic was a supporter of the Red Cross. He was also highly-regarded in the Subic Freeport Zone, having been one of its pillars,” said the senator. [Hannah L. Torregoza]
